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House advances expansion of Education Freedom Accounts after debate over audits and costs
Summary
Lawmakers voted to expand the state's Education Freedom Account program and referred the measure to the finance committee after disagreeing over audit requirements and program costs; floor amendments to delay expansion pending audit results failed.
The New Hampshire House on May 1 voted to expand eligibility for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program but rejected a floor amendment that would have stalled expansion until an audit cleared the program. The bill will go to the Finance Committee for budget review.
Representative Damon argued against expansion on fiscal grounds, saying the program could cost "$100,000,000 when we lack adequate revenues to fund essential needs of New Hampshire citizens, such as Medicaid, state employee retirement, affordable housing, and corrections safe staffing levels." Supporters, including Representative Ladd and other proponents, called the EFA program an option for parents and opposed delay tactics.
Floor amendment 1979H would have required a Legislative Budget Assistant (LBA) audit signoff before expanding the program; proponents said the audit was a necessary guardrail after a sample review found nearly 25% of accounts approved in error. Opponents called the amendment a delay tactic and said no LBA report date was known. The amendment failed on a roll-call vote, 165-199.
On final action, the House adopted the majority committee report and passed Senate Bill 295 as amended; the final recorded roll-call was 188-176 in favor. The bill is referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration of fiscal impacts and any required appropriations.
Lawmakers flagged concerns over projected costs, audit findings, and program oversight. Supporters said the program expands parental choice; opponents asked for stronger management controls and independent audit verification before expansion. The bill now moves to the Finance Committee for budgetary review and potential appropriation action.
